Member Article

Clair’s degree of dedication is second to none

Hard working legal eagle Clair Dutton has been awarded a law degree after doing her studying first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

The 29-year-old Doncaster mother did her reading, research and assignments at unsocial hours which was the only time she was not busy with all of her other jobs.

She spent six years working hard on her law books before breakfast and after tea - and even during her lunch break.

Holidays were sacrificed so she could travel from her South Yorkshire home to sit exams at the University of East London, where she had enrolled on a distance learning course.

Now her effort has paid off as she has graduated and can now put the prestigious letters LLB after her name, after begin award her degree at a ceremony at London’s O2 Arena.

When she was not studying, Clair cared for her disabled son Coby, age three, worked for Doncaster law firm Shaw and Co Solicitors, and volunteered for a self-help group.

Last year, she was named Parent of the Year by a national charity for “going the extra mile” as a mother.

Her boss Rebecca Moore-Yelland, who runs the Doncaster office for the company, which also has an office in Newcastle upon Tyne, said: “Clair goes that extra mile for our clients too.

“She is a key member of the team in Doncaster and tirelessly cheerful - an inspiration for us all.”

Clair is now considering continuing her studying to become a fully qualified legal executive at the firm where she has worked for eight years.

She said: “The degree was tough at times but I wanted to make sure I completed it to further my career and to give my son everything he will need in life.

“It wasn’t easy, but you just have to get on with it.”

Looking to the future, she said: “I’m thinking about completing more courses and possibly to train as a solicitor”.

Clair lives in Balby with partner Ricky Law and her son, who was born at thirty-three weeks and suffered a bleed on his brain resulting in hemiplegia.

He spent five weeks in Doncaster Royal Infirmary and four weeks in Sheffield Children’s Hospital, undergoing major surgery.

As well as caring for Coby, Clair works four days a week as a legal assistant at Shaw and Co Solicitors, in Portland Place, Doncaster, which specialises in asbestos, workplace, equine, dog attack and general accident claims,

She is also treasurer for a group called Route 2000 which offers advice and support to parents of disabled children.

She said: “The group is a great way for parents and carers of children with disabilities to share information and advice.”

Last year, Clair was recognised as charity Cerebra’s Parent of the Year for her efforts to build a stable future for her family while still devoting herself to giving her son the care and support he needs.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by MarxMedia .